Skardu:
Skardu, capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 metres above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakorams. Balti people are a mixture of Tibetan and Caucasian stock and speak Balti, an ancient from of Tibetan. Due to the similarity of its culture, lifestyle and architecture with Tibet, Baltistan is also known as the “Tibet-e-Khurd” (Little Tibet). It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang and Indian-occupied Kashmir. The tourist season is from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27 C and minimum (October) 8 C. Apart form its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers Baltistan’s five valleys – Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu and Khamang are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples and pears.

How to Get There:
By air: PIA operates a daily Boeing flight between Islamabad and Skardu (subject to good weather). The air journey is full of thrills and would itself be regarded as the highlight of the visit. Return airfare is equivalent to US $ 88/- for foreigners. For bookings, please contact PIA’s Northern Areas Booking Office at Rawalpindi (Tel: 051-9272200). By Road: Skardu is 793 km from Islamabad via Karakoram highway and Skardu Road. The daily NATCO bus & coach service takes 24 hours for this wonderful and adventurous journey. An all-weather, 241 km long Skardu road, connects Skardu with Gilgit. The journey takes around six hours.  

What to see:


Kharpocho Fort:  
Skardu has an ancient Fort known as Kharpocho Fort (King of Forts) situated on a hill overlooking the town. It was constructed by Ali Sher Khan Anchan, who ruled over Baltistan till the end of the 16th century.

Buddha Rock Carvings:
Dating back to 8th century AD, a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, three kilometers from Skardu across Sadpara Nullah on Skardu-Sadpara Road. Pre-historic men and animals figures are carved on rocks along Kachura Lake. Some rock carvings and diagram of a monastery near Perkuta (Mehdi Abad) Narah are also found.

Lovely Lakes:
Upper Kachura (34 km), Lower Kachura (Shangrila – 29 km) Lake and Sadpara (8 km) Lake, are very famous for fishing and boating.

Shigar Valley:
The gateway to the great mountain peaks of the Karakorams, Gasherbrum & K-2, is only 23 km away from Skardu via jeep road. Shigar valley’s gentle, irrigated slopes are filled with terraces of wheat, maize and barely. Its orchards of apricots, mulberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples and nuts are unique to Baltistan.  

Khaplu Valley:
This beautiful valley of the Shyok River is 103 km east of Skardu. Khaplu is the starting point for most trekking and climbing expeditions.

What to Buy?  
Baltistan is known for its “Pattu” – hand woven woolen cloth for jackets, coats etc. You can also pick up colourful intricately embroidered “Chugas” (Baltistani gown) and wooden spoons at Skardu bazaar.